New releases last eight weeks: Electro House

Review: Amasser of over 100 million streams in 2024, 'Ora che non ho piu te' ('Now I No Longer Have You') was one of Italy's top electropop hits of 2024. Attracting a panoply of remixers for use in their own DJ sets, Mondo Groove now commit four of the choicest of said redoings to a vinyl press, enlisting such first magnitude stars as Benny Benassi and DJ Ralf. Progressing through fine layers of burbling synth and cooing sentiment, we're most taken, however, by Samuele Sartini's closer, which the roar of crowds into descending synth beneficences, causing all heaven to break loose.

Review: SQNC's debut release on Sequence Records delivers an electrifying clash of styles. Hearthug's playful energy opens the A-side with 'Beep Blump Beep (Sex Mix)', a bouncy track that effortlessly commands the dancefloor. 'Moonrush (Original Mix)' follows, taking a more acidic approach while maintaining that signature groove that's undeniably infectious. On the B-side, Cybercafe - Adam Dirk'heim's brainchild - establishes its cybernetic identity. 'Hyperdrive' is an immersive experience with deep kicks and distorted synths, creating a pulsating rhythm that draws listeners in. 'Katorza' takes things further with a retro-futuristic edge, adding a hypnotic energy that makes it perfect for late-night sets. It's a dynamic fusion of playfulness and intensity, showcasing the unique approaches of both artists while setting the tone for Sequence Records' future. This release is full of depth and dancefloor potential, marking the start of something exciting for the label.

Review: The second album from the Toronto-based Crystal Castles dives headfirst into a more polished pop direction while keeping the razor-sharp edge that made their eponymous debut unforgettable. It sees the duo tightening their sound, swapping the erratic juxtapositions of their first record for a more cohesive and dynamic approach. Tracks like 'Celestica', 'Suffocation' and 'Empathy' blend shimmering synths with biting distortion, striking a balance between beauty and bite. There's no shortage of potential singles here. The rave-tinged 'Baptism'. the hazy allure of 'Not in Love' and the frenetic energy of 'Vietnam' shows their knack for crafting tracks that feel equally at home on dancefloors and in headphones. While the shift toward a poppier sound might seem like a concession, the duo's grit remains intact, with moments like the chaotic 'Doe Deer' and the eerie closer 'I Am Made of Chalk' adding depth and darkness. Ethan Kath's production is layered and inventive, building a world of haunting synths and lo-fi beats, while Alice Glass' vocals morph between distorted whispers and guttural screams. Her versatility shines, avoiding the bratty screamer stereotype and instead presenting a nuanced and unsettling performance. The record's ambition is clear, as Crystal Castles evolve from their 8-bit beginnings into something more expansive and mature. A landmark album from a band who at the time, created a buzz like no other.